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Chase the Moon
Elijah Moon, his sons, his beautiful daughter Gracie and their families are trying to dwell simply in this modern world. Living off the land in rural Kentucky, they adhere closely to the words of the Bible. But there is more going on at their compound than either Elijah or Gracie realises. In fact, a man has been killed for knowing too much. When the victim's twin, Jake Baretta, arrives at the compound to search for his twin's killer, he struggles to keep his heart and attraction to Gracie to himself, and his mind on the job. Everyone knows the first rule of undercover Never fall in love with enemy.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 22, 1997
86 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Dinah McCall
22 books163 followersDinah McCall is a pseudonym for author Sharon Sala.
It was a job she hated that drove Sharon Sala to put the first page of paper in an old typewriter, but it was the love of the craft that kept her writing. Her first efforts at writing came in 1980 when she began a book that wound up under her bed. A second book followed in 1981 and suffered a similar fate, but she claims the writing bug had bitten hard. However, she let life and the demands of a growing family delay her from continuing until a tragedy struck.
Her father died in May of 1985 after a lingering illness, and then, only two months later, her only sister died unexpectedly. She vowed then and there that she was not going to wind up on her deathbed one day with regrets for not following through on her dreams.
She joined writers' groups and attended conferences, and she slowly learned her way around the written page. By 1989, she decided she had come far enough in her writing to attempt another try at book-length fiction and began a book that would later be entitled Sara's Angel. As fate would have it, the first publisher she sent it to bought it, and she hasn't looked back.
As a farmer's daughter, and then for many years a farmer's wife, Sharon escaped the drudgeries of life through the pages of books, and now, as a writer, she finds herself often living out her dreams. Through traveling and speaking and the countless thousands of fan letters she has received, Sharon has touched many lives. One faithful reader has crowned her the "Reba of Romance," while others claim she's a magician with words.
Her stories are often dark, dealing with the realities of this world, and yet she's able to weave hope and love within the words for the readers who clamor for her latest works.
Her books repeatedly make the bestseller lists, including those of The New York Times, USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and the Waldenbooks mass market fiction list, and she's been nominated for a RITA® Award seven times, which is the romance writer's equivalent of having an Oscar or an Emmy nomination.
Always an optimist in the face of bad times, she finds that many of the stories she writes come to her in dreams, but there's nothing fanciful about her work. She puts her faith in God and still trusts in love and the belief that, no matter what, everything comes full circle.
It was a job she hated that drove Sharon Sala to put the first page of paper in an old typewriter, but it was the love of the craft that kept her writing. Her first efforts at writing came in 1980 when she began a book that wound up under her bed. A second book followed in 1981 and suffered a similar fate, but she claims the writing bug had bitten hard. However, she let life and the demands of a growing family delay her from continuing until a tragedy struck.
Her father died in May of 1985 after a lingering illness, and then, only two months later, her only sister died unexpectedly. She vowed then and there that she was not going to wind up on her deathbed one day with regrets for not following through on her dreams.
She joined writers' groups and attended conferences, and she slowly learned her way around the written page. By 1989, she decided she had come far enough in her writing to attempt another try at book-length fiction and began a book that would later be entitled Sara's Angel. As fate would have it, the first publisher she sent it to bought it, and she hasn't looked back.
As a farmer's daughter, and then for many years a farmer's wife, Sharon escaped the drudgeries of life through the pages of books, and now, as a writer, she finds herself often living out her dreams. Through traveling and speaking and the countless thousands of fan letters she has received, Sharon has touched many lives. One faithful reader has crowned her the "Reba of Romance," while others claim she's a magician with words.
Her stories are often dark, dealing with the realities of this world, and yet she's able to weave hope and love within the words for the readers who clamor for her latest works.
Her books repeatedly make the bestseller lists, including those of The New York Times, USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and the Waldenbooks mass market fiction list, and she's been nominated for a RITA® Award seven times, which is the romance writer's equivalent of having an Oscar or an Emmy nomination.
Always an optimist in the face of bad times, she finds that many of the stories she writes come to her in dreams, but there's nothing fanciful about her work. She puts her faith in God and still trusts in love and the belief that, no matter what, everything comes full circle.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 26, 2018
While working undercover in a compound where illegal guns were stored, DEA Agent John Braxton was shot in the back. He made it out of the Kentucky hills, but died in his twin brother's arms. Jake Braxton vows to find the person who shot his brother and make him pay. Jake passes himself off as his brother and returns to the compound that is run by Elijah Moon. Elijah's six sons, their families, and his daughter Gracie live there. Gracie is astonished when Jake tells her that someone tried to kill him. She also believes that her eldest brother may have had something to do with the attempted murder.
This book started off with John getting shot and rolled right along at a fast clip until the mid-point of the story. Then the plot moved away from the suspense and focused on the romance. I thought the romance was lacking and wasn't very interesting. I wish they could have stuck with the suspense plot the whole way through the book. My rating: 3 Stars.
This book started off with John getting shot and rolled right along at a fast clip until the mid-point of the story. Then the plot moved away from the suspense and focused on the romance. I thought the romance was lacking and wasn't very interesting. I wish they could have stuck with the suspense plot the whole way through the book. My rating: 3 Stars.
May 18, 2021
An amazing read that will keep you wondering what will happen next.
I enjoyed every minute and hated to see it end.
I enjoyed every minute and hated to see it end.
August 8, 2018
Solid Romantic-Suspense that while good, wasn't great. The characters and the families gave the story life, but somehow, it just didn't live for me. The twin aspect and the tragedy that the story is built around was sad and at the same time riveting.
John Baretta, ATF, is undercover in the rural Kentucky compound of Elijah Moon where he has uncovered evidence that will stop the illegal activities of Moon's oldest son, Brady, and could well put the whole family in jail. While on his way to town to make a report, John is shot and left to die.
Being an identical twin, the close connection they have causes Jake Baretta to instantly "know" something is wrong with John. When John dies, Jake vows revenge on the Moon family and a month later sets about taking John's place in the compound. He finds his answers and he also finds Gracie, the only daughter of Elijah Moon, has stolen his heart.
Gracie Moon has been in her families compound for two years. She had left her family and made a career as a teacher away from them. When her mother died, she returned and didn't leave, even though she knows that the not everything is the Bible believing, commune that shuns the outside world that her father founded. When Jake returns, taking John's place, she feels a dangerous difference about him and an attraction that she can't resist.
John Baretta, ATF, is undercover in the rural Kentucky compound of Elijah Moon where he has uncovered evidence that will stop the illegal activities of Moon's oldest son, Brady, and could well put the whole family in jail. While on his way to town to make a report, John is shot and left to die.
Being an identical twin, the close connection they have causes Jake Baretta to instantly "know" something is wrong with John. When John dies, Jake vows revenge on the Moon family and a month later sets about taking John's place in the compound. He finds his answers and he also finds Gracie, the only daughter of Elijah Moon, has stolen his heart.
Gracie Moon has been in her families compound for two years. She had left her family and made a career as a teacher away from them. When her mother died, she returned and didn't leave, even though she knows that the not everything is the Bible believing, commune that shuns the outside world that her father founded. When Jake returns, taking John's place, she feels a dangerous difference about him and an attraction that she can't resist.
April 6, 2024
A story worth reading 📚 ✨️
I completely enjoyed this book.
This is a contemporary romance mixed with several tropes that make it soooooo interesting.
It's a suspense and maybe even a military romance as the main characters are in law enforcement.
If even add paranormal romance to this as well. The story revolves around John and Jake. As twins, they have that twin vibe thara really strong between them. Like when John gets shot, Jake knows it and runs to him. John goes undercover to find out about a group of people who are up to no good.
And he gets shot for his efforts. But instead of Jake coming to mourn his brother, he takes his place.
Not only does that put a wrench in the killers plans but Jake also starts falling for the girl John was sweet on.
The book is called chase the moon. And I think it's called that for 2 reasons. One - Jake ends up falling for and chasing Grace Moon! And it was the last thing John said to him before he died. Cuz he has to chase the killer.
This story has such an interesting spin on it. I loved the twin telepathy that happened between John and Jake. I thought it was absolutely fascinating. I'm not a twin but I think things like that are real and we could be so lucky. I could be so lucky that we have that type of privilege to be able to be that connected to somebody else.
Yes the characters go thru alot and it ends happy.
This book is definitely worth reading.
I completely enjoyed this book.
This is a contemporary romance mixed with several tropes that make it soooooo interesting.
It's a suspense and maybe even a military romance as the main characters are in law enforcement.
If even add paranormal romance to this as well. The story revolves around John and Jake. As twins, they have that twin vibe thara really strong between them. Like when John gets shot, Jake knows it and runs to him. John goes undercover to find out about a group of people who are up to no good.
And he gets shot for his efforts. But instead of Jake coming to mourn his brother, he takes his place.
Not only does that put a wrench in the killers plans but Jake also starts falling for the girl John was sweet on.
The book is called chase the moon. And I think it's called that for 2 reasons. One - Jake ends up falling for and chasing Grace Moon! And it was the last thing John said to him before he died. Cuz he has to chase the killer.
This story has such an interesting spin on it. I loved the twin telepathy that happened between John and Jake. I thought it was absolutely fascinating. I'm not a twin but I think things like that are real and we could be so lucky. I could be so lucky that we have that type of privilege to be able to be that connected to somebody else.
Yes the characters go thru alot and it ends happy.
This book is definitely worth reading.
April 24, 2008
A pretty typical Dinah McCall book. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it as I did "Storm Warning." The romance was good; it had a more traditional development than the angsty "I don't love you, I just want to screw you" feel that so many romance books have. The plot wasn't all that suspenseful in that you knew what exactly was going on. It was mostly a matter of how it would be resolved in the end.
I had tears in my eyes at the beginning of the book because of what happened. And what happened to John and its effect on Jake had me sad throughout the story. I just wanted to give Jake a big hug.
If you like McCall's other books, then you'll probably enjoy this one.
I had tears in my eyes at the beginning of the book because of what happened. And what happened to John and its effect on Jake had me sad throughout the story. I just wanted to give Jake a big hug.
If you like McCall's other books, then you'll probably enjoy this one.
March 23, 2015
This book is a keeper and I will read many times over.
August 10, 2017
Originally Reviewed on The Bewitching Bibliophile
I picked this up on a whim. I knew nothing about it other than it's by Dinah and I love her writing. I started reading and I was hooked. The very beginning I was screaming inside for them to use the solution we now know works and often use, I was so hooked the second I realized the nurse was going to do it and I just fell into this book. Time flew and I wasn't even aware of it. I was totally addicted and I didn't want this to end.
This was clearly written at a different time due to lack of cellphones however that doesn't detract from the overall story. This is a story of revenge and justice and such a good love story. I couldn't stop reading, I cried a few times in this book with the characters and I must say I love Angie so much she is so wise and wonderful to her family and those in her life. Just amazing. I can't imagine what it is like to lose the other half of your soul but to still have to keep going.
Told in alternating perspectives, from the villain to the people surrounding them and of course the main characters we get an amazing story about one man's need to know the truth and a woman's desire to find her place even while surrounded by family.
Moving quickly; the unfolding of the motivation of the killer and all the action moves so well. I loved how both men knew without a doubt that Gracie was a woman caught up in something she didn't even understand. I was so saddened for the conclusion because to be family and put in that position all because one person was too greedy and too unhinged.
It's good, I loved that the romance was good and went within characters behaviour, I loved how neither of them were suddenly blind or stupid, they moved well together and separately. This story unfolded with all the mystery there with parts being revealed to us then to the characters, and as each piece was found out it just built the tension. Really well written, addictive and a fast read.
I picked this up on a whim. I knew nothing about it other than it's by Dinah and I love her writing. I started reading and I was hooked. The very beginning I was screaming inside for them to use the solution we now know works and often use, I was so hooked the second I realized the nurse was going to do it and I just fell into this book. Time flew and I wasn't even aware of it. I was totally addicted and I didn't want this to end.
This was clearly written at a different time due to lack of cellphones however that doesn't detract from the overall story. This is a story of revenge and justice and such a good love story. I couldn't stop reading, I cried a few times in this book with the characters and I must say I love Angie so much she is so wise and wonderful to her family and those in her life. Just amazing. I can't imagine what it is like to lose the other half of your soul but to still have to keep going.
Told in alternating perspectives, from the villain to the people surrounding them and of course the main characters we get an amazing story about one man's need to know the truth and a woman's desire to find her place even while surrounded by family.
Moving quickly; the unfolding of the motivation of the killer and all the action moves so well. I loved how both men knew without a doubt that Gracie was a woman caught up in something she didn't even understand. I was so saddened for the conclusion because to be family and put in that position all because one person was too greedy and too unhinged.
It's good, I loved that the romance was good and went within characters behaviour, I loved how neither of them were suddenly blind or stupid, they moved well together and separately. This story unfolded with all the mystery there with parts being revealed to us then to the characters, and as each piece was found out it just built the tension. Really well written, addictive and a fast read.
April 12, 2019
Chase the Moon Review
This story involving Identical twins and the tie they have throughout life. Each one being half of a whole, they can switch roles undetected and herein lies this tale of vengeance. Well told and well edited.
This story involving Identical twins and the tie they have throughout life. Each one being half of a whole, they can switch roles undetected and herein lies this tale of vengeance. Well told and well edited.
April 4, 2021
great storyline! This one was one of my favorites that i have read. This one kept my interest all the way through a bit of a sad ending to a beautiful twin sibling love for one another and a beautiful love story with a lot of twists and turns along the way.
August 30, 2018
This book was just OK. It was a good story. The middle wasn't to exciting.
November 21, 2023
Chase the Moon is a fast-paced romantic/suspense you won't want to put down until you reach the very end.
January 20, 2026
Chase the Moon
I highly recommend this book and writer. I love stories with family, love, suspense, and a happy ending. This one has it all.
I highly recommend this book and writer. I love stories with family, love, suspense, and a happy ending. This one has it all.
February 24, 2013
This is a bitter sweet suspense love story.
SYNOPSIS with NO SPOILERS:
Undercover ATF agent is murdered. His identical twin and Government Agent Jake, goes undercover to find the killer in a militia style compound complete with anti-government wackos who dragged their wives and children to live like Amish hippies up the mountains of Kentucky.
While searching for his twin’s killer, Jake meets Gracie Moon, the daughter of the leader of the compound. Gracie is trapped by her own stupidity and bad choices. By agreeing to ‘watch out’ for her widowed father, she left her life as a teacher in Atlanta and ended up playing nurse maid and semi-slave to her father and brothers. Gracie made the best of a bad situation by becoming the teacher in the compound. Jake spends his days ferreting out the conspirators and killer/s of his twin. Gracie becomes a life saving ally to Jake, and faces choosing him or her family.
It’s a romance, so dum de dum..... of course they fall in....... luvvvvve, and have a HEA. (Happily Ever After).
PROS:
Sharon Sala really gets the heart of grief. The nuances and day to day little ‘shocks’ of a grieving man thinking ‘oh, my brother would love to hear this. Or see that....’ then it hits him. He’s dead. I won’t have to buy another birthday gift for my loved one. I can’t share this joke with him. That kind of thing.
You learn in the beginning of the book, what a miracle it was that Jake’s brother lived as an infant. How his father prayed for the baby to live. How close the twins were all their lives. Throughout the book, they grow as different men. They take different paths, but love each other. The parents love their sons.
I would say this is a story that uses grief as the backdrop. It’s sad, and after you meet the characters, the reader will mourn with them. Sala is good at that.
SYNOPSIS with NO SPOILERS:
Undercover ATF agent is murdered. His identical twin and Government Agent Jake, goes undercover to find the killer in a militia style compound complete with anti-government wackos who dragged their wives and children to live like Amish hippies up the mountains of Kentucky.
While searching for his twin’s killer, Jake meets Gracie Moon, the daughter of the leader of the compound. Gracie is trapped by her own stupidity and bad choices. By agreeing to ‘watch out’ for her widowed father, she left her life as a teacher in Atlanta and ended up playing nurse maid and semi-slave to her father and brothers. Gracie made the best of a bad situation by becoming the teacher in the compound. Jake spends his days ferreting out the conspirators and killer/s of his twin. Gracie becomes a life saving ally to Jake, and faces choosing him or her family.
It’s a romance, so dum de dum..... of course they fall in....... luvvvvve, and have a HEA. (Happily Ever After).
PROS:
Sharon Sala really gets the heart of grief. The nuances and day to day little ‘shocks’ of a grieving man thinking ‘oh, my brother would love to hear this. Or see that....’ then it hits him. He’s dead. I won’t have to buy another birthday gift for my loved one. I can’t share this joke with him. That kind of thing.
You learn in the beginning of the book, what a miracle it was that Jake’s brother lived as an infant. How his father prayed for the baby to live. How close the twins were all their lives. Throughout the book, they grow as different men. They take different paths, but love each other. The parents love their sons.
I would say this is a story that uses grief as the backdrop. It’s sad, and after you meet the characters, the reader will mourn with them. Sala is good at that.
May 25, 2024
I've read several times but can't stop reading it
August 29, 2013
Older book by Sharon Sala (Dinah McCall). Elijah Moon takes his large family (7 boys, 1 girl) into the mountains of KY after becoming fed up with the "path" of society. He builds a self-sustaining religious based cult. His eldest son takes the opportunity to direct them into illegal activities.
After his twin is killed trying to bring down the cult, Jake infiltrates the group using his brothers identity and falls for Elijah's only daughter Gracie. What follows is a story about the power of family, both good and bad and the bond between twins that death can not break.
It was a good story and had a few similarities to Sala's Rebel Ridge series. Mrs. Sala has definitely developed as a writer since this one was written, but it's a nice one and if you're a Sala fan you'll enjoy it.
After his twin is killed trying to bring down the cult, Jake infiltrates the group using his brothers identity and falls for Elijah's only daughter Gracie. What follows is a story about the power of family, both good and bad and the bond between twins that death can not break.
It was a good story and had a few similarities to Sala's Rebel Ridge series. Mrs. Sala has definitely developed as a writer since this one was written, but it's a nice one and if you're a Sala fan you'll enjoy it.
September 12, 2021
I feel the twins when and where they needed each other. I feel that.
January 31, 2013
as with all of Sharon Sala books the characters are real and easy to get attached to. "Gracie Moon" and "Jake" are no exceptions. every book I've read so far has good and bad...happy and sad.. you know .."reality of Life." I still intend to read every book She has written. Pick up any book from Sharon Sala and I believe you wont be dissapointed!
February 3, 2013
A very interesting story about twins. Not her best-written effort, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. Everyone in the story had a cross to bear, but none seemed to actually wrestle their demons to the ground. The characters wrestled these demons until the demons were weak, then were saved, except for the antagonist.
November 26, 2016
We all have skeletons
You are put where you are meant to be for that special person. An everyone seems to have that person in their family who refuses to go with he flow. Thank God not all go this far
I loved the story and read it in one afternoon, but I find it hard to stop reading any of her stories
You are put where you are meant to be for that special person. An everyone seems to have that person in their family who refuses to go with he flow. Thank God not all go this far
I loved the story and read it in one afternoon, but I find it hard to stop reading any of her stories
November 7, 2011
Hero’s twin brother is killed while investigating a cult for arms violations. Hero goes in to find the murderer and falls for a woman who’s related to the murderer, but not involved with any of the crimes. She’s just taking care of her father. Lots of twists, turns and suspense. Good read.
August 6, 2007
was given as a birthday present from my friend
June 16, 2023
One of my all-time faves! I loved Jake and Gracie so much!
April 20, 2012
Fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
June 27, 2012
great book
January 1, 2016
It was a retro read. A good read for when it was written.
June 20, 2015
Good
Good t they last page.I enjoyed every minute of this ebook.I don't know how she does it each book is better than they last.
Good t they last page.I enjoyed every minute of this ebook.I don't know how she does it each book is better than they last.
July 15, 2010
Typical Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall fare. Fast paced.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews